Happy Thanksgiving

As a photojournalist for the Tallahassee Democrat for the past 32 years, I have documented the lives of the diverse tapestry of people that make up the Tallahassee fabric. I’ve been an eye-witness to the funerals of young soldiers who have died in battle, enjoyed the festivities of a Seminole championship season and documented the angst of a child’s first day at school. It has been a wonderful adventure for me. As I think about the meaning of this Thanksgiving season, I remember as assignment that took me into a nursing home party a number of years ago. I don’t remember the names of the residents nor the name of the nursing home itself, but I do vividly recall the visual reminder of what Thanksgiving is really about.

Many of the residents had gathered in the dining hall for the Thanksgiving festivities. Some were with family, but many were not. There was cake and punch and colorful balloons. Caretakers reached into a large bag to reveal small gifts…one for each resident. The gifts were simple ones: a bottle of hand lotion. A plastic comb. A little bottle of perfume. One to a resident. Probably bought at a local dollar store.

And as I looked around, I saw a women, who had no friends nor family members around her, start to weep openly. One of the caretakers came over to comfort her, placing her arms around the ladies shoulders and speaking softly to her. I captured the moment with my camera. It was a beautiful, touching moment.

Later I found out the reason she had been weeping. She had been overcome with emotion to think somebody had given her a gift. Somebody had taken the time to think of her. She was weeping tears of joy for a $1.oo bottle of perfume. Something to remember this Thanksgiving Day.

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About The Author

Staff photographer at the Tallahassee Democrat for 33 years. Graduated cum laude from Cal Poly SLO in 1978 with a degree in journalism. Married with one teenage son. Fan of Florida State, St. Louis Cardinals and Tower of Power. Interests include playing the saxophone and photography. Follower of Jesus Christ.